A generation that is holed up in cubicles through the week is finding some relief in nature and adventure tourism, quite often, if not frequently.
“If you can’t take a break from work for even two days, something is seriously wrong with your lifestyle. I usually like to go trekking. Recently, I went to Silent Valley,” said A. Leelashankar, naturalist and adventure consultant.
G. Ramakrishnan likes trekking, swimming and hanging out with friends in the wild. The resident of Besant Nagar said that though he does not do it as often as he likes, he does snatch time once in a while to go on a trip with his friends. “Such things must be part of your schooling so that the fear of heights, the wild and darkness leave you very early in life. And once in a while, the body and mind deserve such a treat,” he said.
Usually, adventure trips include mountain biking, kayaking, para-sailing or diving for those rough travellers with a free, daring spirit. Now, trekking and hot air balloon rides are being tailor-made to suit the needs of the adventure-seekers.
Something for everyone
“There is something for everyone, as adventure tourism gains ground in Tamil Nadu and elsewhere. Most of our clients are young and like to really get away from the crowds. In the Palani Hills, you can do short or long treks with visits to pre-historic caves or the two waterfalls or even the Palani Valley,” said Sunil Varghese, director, Dune Eco Group that runs Elephant Valley Eco Farm.
“The industry is growing,” said Manoj Suriya, who left a corporate job to begin Tent N Trek, an outdoors and adventure company. “We get clients from all over India and are now hosting foreigners as well. About 45% of our clients are women — they do a lot of solo travelling,” he said. Honeymoon adventure trips are now growing in popularity. Couples, families, groups and solo travellers all want to experience something different, he adds.
The annual estimate for adventure travellers in Tamil Nadu is over 48,000, according to ‘Adventure Tourism Market Study in India - 2016.’ Wildlife/jeep safaris, hot air ballooning, boat safaris, cycling and trekking are popular activities, it said, and the State’s market share of adventure tourism was estimated to be ₹18.35 crore from a total of India’s ₹1,772 crore.
And it’s not just in India that Chennaiites want to adventure. Even on trips abroad, an increasing number are choosing to include an adventure component, “Many people associate it with a wish-list of things they would like to do. And while they may not travel to the destination specifically for an adventure, it does form a big part of their holiday,” said Charanya Ramesh, CEO, Shakthi Tours and Travels.
New Zealand for sky diving and bungee jumping, South Africa for a going underwater in a cage to see sharks and water sports in Bali are popular activities and destinations, she said. “A lot of young couples opt for such adventure, and over the last few years, it’s grown quite a lot,” she said.
But while adventures will give you a thrill and a rush of adrenaline, safety must come first, say experts. The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, on its website says special attention is being given to the development of adventure tourism in the country. The Ministry has formulated a set of guidelines on safety and quality norms on adventure tourism as basic minimum standards.
“Safety standards and security are a must for adventure tourism and should be brought in. Training and skill set development should also be given from time to time,” said Dipankar Ghose, head, southern bureau, Indian Ex-Defence Service Employees Chamber of Commerce & Industries.
